should be months after be repealed as far as there other Secret Societies were concerned.
As to its limitation in respect of the Triad Society I can but suggest that the reason, perhaps, was that the object of the Society did not then in any way affect good order, peace or security of Hongkong, the Government did not think it necessary to punish mere membership unless it showed itself actively and outwardly by unlawful acts.
But things have changed greatly and the report of the recent Commission on the Triad Society proves that stringent measures must now be taken to prevent honest and lawful traders from being mercilessly oppressed and interfered with in their business.
We cannot protect traders, boatmen and others who are now the prey of these Societies, they will either leave the Colony or quietly submit to the exactions and recoup themselves in another way from commerce of the Colony, and from the lawful. In these days of severe competition if this port gets a bad reputation for high prices or exactions, trade will soon seek other ports.
The present law is in my opinion wholly inoperative for looking at the intention of the framers of Ordinance 10 of 1845 to exempt members of all other Secret Societies from any penalty for belonging to them, and limiting the application of Ordinance 1 of 1845 to those members of the Triad Society who should be guilty of active participation in some unlawful act arising out of their connection with the Society, I have strong doubt whether a conviction could be obtained unless it was proved that the act had reference to whatever unlawful act the objects of the Society at the time, and to punish which the Ordinance was passed; or to put it otherwise whether Ordinance 12 of 1845 would be applicable to such cases of the Triad Society squeezing money from coolie emigrants.